Harrisburg senior Justin Younger was perfect through 4.2 innings in a 17-0 win over West Frankfort Tuesday afternoon.

The right-hander had to settle for a no-hitter after West Frankfort’s Noah Drone reached on an error when his team was down to its final out in the fifth.

“It was the first one I’ve thrown, so it’s pretty awesome,” Younger said. “But it wouldn’t have happened without the guys behind me. I’m not going to strike everyone out, so the guys behind me played well today and that’s a big help.”

Younger struck out seven in the no-hit performance as the Bulldogs enjoyed an offensive explosion at the plate.

A 14-run bottom of the third inning saw Harrisburg (20-3, 9-1 SIRR Ohio) bat around twice. In the frame, second baseman Cody Hall tripled twice and drove in five runs. Younger tripled in two more and freshman Noah Vallette connected for a three-run homer, the first of his career.

Junior Nick Davis finished 2-for-2 and drove in three runs while Ryne Roper and Brady Mayer each had three hits.

Harrisburg also got base knocks from Cooper and Sykes Thompson and Brennan Street as the Bulldogs closed their conference season atop the standings at 9-1.

“Everybody all the way through the lineup hit the ball today really well,” Younger said. “It’s really easy pitching when you’ve got a lead like that and don’t have to worry about anything.”

Younger had one-hit Frankfort back on April 8.

Tuesday’s win also marked the 27th time in the past 32 seasons that Harrisburg has won at least 20 games in a year.

The Bulldogs have won 12 of their last 13 contests and are scheduled to host Shawnee Wednesday afternoon. Harrisburg visits Carbondale Friday and will take on Collinsville and Highland in the Metro East Saturday.